In her 30 years as a member of the Child Neurology Department, Ginny Tosney-Trask has “become legendary for her humanity, warmth and generosity.”

Responsibility with a smile

MGH administrative professionals honored at annual luncheon

04/May/2012

Caviness and Tosney-Trask

In her 30 years as a member of the Child Neurology Department, Ginny Tosney-Trask has “become legendary for her humanity, warmth and generosity.” It was these key attributes, among many others listed in her nomination, that led to her selection as the recipient of this year’s Pamela J. Ellis Memorial Secretarial Award.

“I am deeply touched and honored,” Tosney-Trask said at the April 24 award ceremony during the annual Administrative Support Staff Day luncheon in the Bulfinch Tent. “This isn’t just a place where I work – it’s where I live. It’s my other family. This award doesn’t just recognize me, it recognizes my department, the faculty and residents.”

Tosney-Trask gave special thanks to Verne Caviness, MD, emeritus director of Child Neurology, who nominated her for the award. “At some point in your career here, I hope you all will have the opportunity to work with such a wonderful mentor and friend,” she said.

During the ceremony, Jeff Davis, senior vice president for Human Resources, and Joan Sapir, MGH/MGPO senior vice president, read the names of all 111 MGHers nominated for the award, which is given annually in honor of the late Pamela J. Ellis, an MGH executive secretary from 1992 to 1996. A framed certificate featuring these names is now on display in the hallway near the MGH Gift Shop.

Davis and Sapir also took time to read descriptions of several nominees: “Calm in the eye of the storm.” “The backbone of our unit.” “Brightens my day every time I see her.” “A quarterback who always passes to the right person.”

President Peter L. Slavin, MD, thanked the group for being essential members of the MGH family. “Here at the MGH we believe that our employees are our greatest assets, and the work you do proves that to be true time and time again,” Slavin said. “On the front lines you juggle myriad responsibilities: answering phones, greeting patients, maintaining schedules and drafting correspondence. None of these – on their own – is an easy task, but somehow you manage all of them seamlessly, performing each responsibility with a smile.”